Verizon Wireless Partners with Statewide Coalitions Throughout New
England to Raise Awareness of Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence

Radio Public Service Announcements Spotlight Statewide Crisis
Hotlines and Cell Phone Recycling Opportunities

October 26, 2012 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Verizon
Wireless announced today they have partnered with statewide
coalitions across New England to produce Public Service Announcements
highlighting resources and toll-free hotlines for victims of domestic
violence. The hotlines provide crisis support, information and
referrals. Partners include:

The awareness campaign also informs communities about how they can
support domestic violence survivors through cell phone recycling. With
funds generated by recycling cell phones, batteries and accessories
contributed by the community, Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine®
program donates new phones, free airtime and financial grants to
domestic violence agencies in New England and across the United States.
In 2011, HopeLine provided $145,000 in cash grants, 2,800 phones and
eight million minutes to local domestic violence agencies throughout New
England. HopeLine phones provide victims of domestic violence a lifeline
to law enforcement, advocates, employers, landlords and loved ones.

“By partnering with all six New England-based coalitions to produce
these Public Service Announcements, we aim to shine a brighter light on
the resources available to victims of domestic violence,” commented
Christine Berberich, New England Region President for Verizon Wireless.
“We’re very grateful to the New Englanders who recycle through HopeLine
– together we’re providing a confidential means for victims to stay in
touch with their support systems through extraordinarily difficult
times.”

Listing of Statewide Hotlines for Support of Victims of Domestic
Violence

Connecticut: 1-888-774-2900

Maine: 1-866-83-4HELP

Massachusetts: 1-877-785-2020

New Hampshire: 1-866-644-3574

Rhode Island: 1-800-494-8100

Vermont: 1-800-228-7395

Additionally, by dialing #HOPE from any Verizon Wireless phone, victims
of domestic violence are able to access professional support quickly and
confidentially. The toll- and airtime-free call is routed to the
National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).

Verizon was the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and
recycle old cell phones, and has done so on behalf of survivors of
domestic violence since January 1999. Since 2001, HopeLine has collected
more than eight million phones, properly disposed of 1.7 million
no-longer-used wireless phones, and kept more than 210 tons of
electronic waste and batteries out of landfills.

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and
largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves nearly 96 million
retail customers, including 90.4 million retail postpaid customers.
Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 75,000 employees
nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon
Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For
more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.
To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and
high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the
Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (“CCADV”) is the
state’s leading voice for victims of domestic violence and those who
serve them. CCADV and its 18 member agencies – which help 54,000 victims
annually – works to strengthen Connecticut’s response to victims through
strong policy, intervention, prevention and public awareness initiatives.

About Jane Doe, Inc.

Jane Doe, Inc. (JDI) is a coalition of 60 local member programs in
Massachusetts working together with allies to find lasting solutions
that promote the safety, liberty, and dignity for victims and survivors
of sexual and domestic violence. JDI works for social change to help
create a world free of violence and abuse.

About the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence

The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) is a statewide
network committed to creating and encouraging a social, political, and
economic environment in which domestic violence no longer exists, and
ensuring that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence are
supported and that batterers are held accountable. MCEDV mobilizes and
coordinates community action through a statewide network of domestic
violence projects. Through these partnerships, they focus their
resources on public policy, education, and systems advocacy.

About the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
(NHCADSV) is a statewide network committed to ending sexual violence,
domestic violence and stalking. The NHCADSV and its 14 member programs
do not discriminate based on gender, age, health status (including
HIV-positive), physical, mental, or emotional ability, sexual
orientation, gender identity/expression, socio-economic status, race,
national origin, immigration status, or religious or political
affiliation. Online at www.nhcadsv.org.

About the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The purpose of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence is
to eliminate domestic violence in Rhode Island. Their mission is to
support and enhance the work of member agencies, and to provide
leadership on the issue of domestic violence.

About the Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

As the statewide leader of the movement to end domestic and sexual
violence, the Vermont Network is the collective voice for social change
on behalf of domestic and sexual violence survivors.